Should I stay with my current gas provider?

With gas prices increasing all the time, many of the major gas companies in the UK are competing to offer lower tariffs and better deals to attract new customers. However, many consumers may still be paying more than they need to for gas - paying a high price for brand loyalty.

If you have never thought about switching to a new gas company before, and haven't investigated the alternative options available, it's a safe bet that you're paying too much for your gas bills. Some of the larger gas companies are aware that customers will stay with them through thick and thin - though this assumption has been challenged in recent years, when unprecedented price hikes caused many people to leave one of Britain's biggest gas companies for its cheaper and more reliable competitors. The recession has also caused many Brits to become savvier at finding bargains - a trait that energy companies are aware of.

Using price comparison websites can be a good starting point for comparing gas prices, but you should be aware that these websites may not list special deals that are only available via the supplier's own website. This means that exploring the websites of each respective gas company in turn could reveal specialised tariffs that are better suited to your situation and requirements. If you know your average energy consumption in terms of Kwh, this could also make it easier to use energy comparison calculators and arrive at a rough estimate of how much you would be paying under different tariffs.

Because gas prices are cyclical in nature, the best tariff one year may have been beaten 12 months later - so it pays to check up on the gas market regularly to ensure you're getting the best deal year-round. This could include opting for a capped or fixed energy plan, to safeguard against the increasing prices of energy expected over the next few years, or choosing both your gas and electricity from the same provider.

Even if you've succeeded in finding the cheapest tariff available at present, you could still find yourself paying too much for your gas bills. In some cases, this could be remedied by a few small changes to your lifestyle and usage habits, ensuring you only use the gas you need and don't waste fuel. According to estimates from the Energy Saving Trust, the average British household could save as much as 270 per year by implementing energy-saving measures.